Fans of NCIS have reason to be excited: the CBS procedural is gearing up for its fall finale, and a former member of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ team could be making a dramatic return.
A Big Surprise in Episode 9
Even with just a few episodes of Season 23 aired, the series has already delivered plenty of drama—exploring the aftermath of Parker’s father’s death, bringing back McGee’s old case partner Thom E. Gemcity, and even hosting a crossover with NCIS: Origins.
The upcoming fall finale, episode 9, titled “Heaven and Nature,” promises more surprises. According to Paramount, the episode will feature:
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Knight tackling her first NCIS: Elite mission, which involves tracking down a former team member.
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McGee and Torres recovering a stolen truck filled with toys for the Navy’s annual Christmas drive.
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Parker learning the long-hidden truth about his mother.
The twist of a returning character has fans buzzing—and speculation is already running wild.
Who Could Be Coming Back?
Based on the synopsis, there are only a few likely candidates:
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Ellie Bishop – Emily Wickersham’s character is the frontrunner. Bishop left in Season 18 to embark on a long-term undercover assignment, making her return a natural fit for Knight’s mission.
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Tony & Ziva – While always popular, their storylines don’t line up with this episode. The pair now live in Paris with their daughter, Tali, far from NCIS operations.
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Jack Sloane – The former forensic psychologist stayed in Afghanistan in her exit storyline. A reunion with Gibbs could be compelling, but her return would likely need to include a significant connection to the main team.
CBS has already embraced nostalgia, bringing back past characters like Romy Maffia’s Vera in NCIS: Origins, alongside Mark Harmon and Muse Watson reprising Gibbs and Franks. This suggests the network is leaning into the franchise’s history—and fans of long-time characters are set to benefit.
Why It Matters
A returning character in the fall finale adds both emotional stakes and intrigue for the winter premiere. Whether it’s Bishop, Sloane, or someone else, viewers can expect a meaningful reunion, high-stakes missions, and the kind of team dynamics that have kept NCIS one of the longest-running scripted shows on TV.
With “Heaven and Nature,” CBS is reminding fans that in NCIS, no team member ever truly stays gone.
